Hot Topics:

Search

Colorado issues first medical-marijuana business licenses in U.S.

The Denver Post

Posted:
10/27/2011 01:00:00 AM MDT

Updated:
10/27/2011 07:57:15 AM MDT

FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2010 file photo, Yamileth Bolanos, who runs Pure Life Alternative Wellness Center, holds a vial of marijuana known as Jupiter Kush, at her store in Los Angeles. California's largest industry group for doctors is calling for the legalization of marijuana even as it maintains that the drug has few proven health benefits. Trustees of the California Medical Association adopted the new stance at its annual meeting Friday, Oct. 14, 2011 in Anaheim, according to a Los Angeles Times report. (AP | Reed Saxon)

Colorado has begun issuing the first state medical-marijuana business licenses in the nation, the culmination of a more than year-long application process for dispensaries and marijuana- infused-products makers.

The state has issued 11 licenses to businesses in Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and Littleton, according to the state Medical Marijuana Enforcement Division of the Department of Revenue. Another seven have been notified they are likely to receive a license. And the state has sent out letters to local governments for 467 dispensaries and products-makers to double-check that those businesses have local approval — one of the final steps in the licensing process.

The first license to a Denver business was presented Wednesday to Dr. J's owner Tom Sterlacci at a meeting of an industry workgroup. The presentation received a standing ovation.

"It's very historic," Sterlacci said. "Now we're not standing alone with the feds. We have the city and the state standing with us."

Medical-marijuana advocates say Colorado's regulations for cannabis businesses are the most comprehensive in the nation, and they credit the rules' thoroughness with shielding the businesses from federal raids. John Ingold, The Denver Post

Lockheed says object part of 'sensor technology' testing that ended ThursdayWhat the heck is that thing? It's fair to assume that question was on the minds of many people who traveled along Colo. 128 south of Boulder this week if they happened to catch a glimpse of what appeared to be a large, silver projectile perched alongside the highway and pointed north toward town.

PARIS (AP) — Bye, New York! Ciao, Milan! Bonjour, Paris! The world's largest traveling circus of fashion editors, models, buyers and journalists has descended on the French capital, clutching their metro maps and city guides, to cap the ready-to-wear fashion season. Full Story